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Builder and Contractor Services

HLC Incorporated provides customers with access to a comprehensive list of builders and contractors to make it easier to find and connect with a service provider of their choice. While the contractors listed here have been checked for their business practices and workmanship, HLC, Inc. makes no guarantee for the work performed and also makes no specific endorsement of any one contractor listed.

Here are some tips you may also want to consider before hiring a contractor for your project:

Why It's Important to Find the Right Contractor

Always keep in mind that contractors have different work experience and qualifications. There are those that specialize in a particular field while there are some that have a more general skill set.

Before making a selection, exercise due diligence by checking the contractor's references and licenses. This will help you determine whether the contractor you plan to hire has the experience and skills to get the job done. It will also save you from any trouble as well as time and money.

Also, get one that understands your style and the direction you want for your project. This will keep you from deviating into something different from what you had in mind.

Keep in mind that the contractor you hire will be in your home every workday. If you feel uncomfortable with a particular contractor from the onset, think twice before you hire that person.

Things to Consider Before Hiring One

Determine the type of work or remodeling you want to do. By narrowing down your choices, you’ll find it easier to get a contractor with the specialty you need for the job.

Consider how much you're willing to invest in your building project. This will ensure that the contractor you hire knows how much you have to work with.

Set a workable timeframe for your project. This will help the contractor manage the time given for your project. Aside from saving you money, it will keep you from dealing with any delays in your project.

Do you like what you see from their current line of projects? If you feel that the work they've done isn’t enough, don't hesitate to look around for other contractors.

Will they take care of processing all the necessary permits, licenses, inspections and government approvals to get your project going? Most contractors include this as part of their service these days. Some may charge extra but what's important is that you're spared of the headache of working on these papers.

Researching About a Contractor? Here's What You Need to Look For

Make sure the contractor you hire has a website or social media page. In a day and age when everything can be found on the Internet, it's important that the person you hire has an established web presence.

If the contractor has a gallery of projects online or in magazines, don't think twice about browsing through them. This will give you an idea on how good that person is and whether their designs will mesh with yours. Use this to check as well if they can adapt and work different styles.

Be sure that the contractor you plan to hire provides complete and accurate information about themselves, from the services they offer to their memberships in trade organizations. If you find anything amiss, that's a red flag that you may want to look elsewhere.

Do they have their in-house design and construction team or do they farm out these services? If they do, try to get information as well about the people they source out work to.

Certifications and Associations - reputable contractors not only carry numerous certifications validating their capabilities but they are also part of a number of industry organizations. The more associations and certifications they have, the more you know that you're in good and capable hands.

Things to Remember When Meeting the Contractor

Prepare all your questions and don't hesitate to ask them during the meeting. Aside from getting the information you need, you'll be able to gauge whether the contractor knows what they're doing.

Take a close look at the way the contractor communicates. Do they ask questions about the project? Or do they just prefer talking about their accomplishments?

Be sure to ask for their portfolio and samples of their work, especially if you weren't able to see them online.

Ask for any references that they may have, whether it's from clients they worked for recently or those they've dealt with years ago.

Get a better understanding of how they work and what tools they use. By being familiar with a contractor's work process and the technology they'll be using, you can gauge whether their working style will help speed up or delay your project.

Don't be shy about asking their rates upfront. This will help you determine whether you have enough to work with and keep you from going above your budget.